French Mediator Refrains

The French side has refrained from continuing its efforts regarding Resolution 1701. In this context, the political assistant to President Nabih Berri, Deputy Ali Hassan Khalil, revealed that the French side did not respond to the Shiite duo's reply to the proposal prepared by the French Foreign Ministry to implement Resolution 1701 and restore calm on both sides of the border between Lebanon and Israel, as reported by "Al-Liwaa." Khalil indicated that the documents presented to the duo contained elements that exceeded the provisions of Resolution 1701, noting that attempts by some envoys to pressure for the disconnection of paths with Gaza were met with rejection from the duo. Khalil stated: "Our observation on the two documents is that we want to establish the borders, and not engage in negotiations over boundary demarcation, since they are already delineated." He pointed out that southern front operations would cease if the aggression on Gaza stopped, but if the Israeli enemy chooses to continue its war, there must be a response. He highlighted that some envoys attempted to pressure Lebanon to disconnect paths with Gaza, but our position was clear, according to "Al-Liwaa."